Hy-Vee helps fight cancer, childhood obesity with kids' triathlons

Hy-Vee has partnered with the Pinky Swear Foundation to sponsor several Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlons in cities across the Midwest. The partnership will help with the foundation’s efforts to raise funds and awareness for the families of children who are suffering from cancer.



Hy-Vee is collaborating with the foundation to bring youth triathlons to several of the communities it serves. In summer 2016, races will be held in Des Moines, Minneapolis, Chanhassen, Omaha, the Quad Cities and Kansas City.

The Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlons are fitness-friendly and accessible to youth of all skill levels. The events reinforce Hy-Vee's commitment to health and wellness while providing opportunities to engage children in fundraising and giving back to their communities.

The new Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlons and 5K Family Runs will be fun, accessible and engaging for children at all fitness levels and will focus on participation rather than competition. The primary purpose of the swim, bike and run events is the fundraising aspect, in which kids raise money to help kids with cancer and their families.



What began as a promise between a father and son has turned into a nationwide triathlon series and fundraiser for children fighting cancer. Before 9-year-old Mitch Chepokas died of cancer, his dad, Steve, made a pinky swear promise with him to continue to help children with the disease. Today, Pinky Swear provides immediate needs support and unique family programs to families with children who have cancer. To accomplish this, the foundation holds youth triathlons in a dozen states across the country and encourages kids to fundraise and build support for other children in need.